This is an individual one-shot and will not follow on from the previous chapter.

"In land of myth,

and a time of magic,

the destiny of a great kingdom,

rests on the shoulders of a young boy.

His name: Merlin."

Merlin had been Prince Arthur's servant for a week now. And he was still convinced that the man was an idiot. And a prat. And a clotpole. And just a little bit gorgeous. Not that he would ever -not even if he was threatened with a year in the stocks- admit that. The boy also realised that being the Prince's servant was more work than he'd thought. Not only did he have to practice with the royal prat, but he had to know everything about tournament etiquette, before the tournament! Which is tomorrow!

"Ready?"

"Would it make any difference if I said no?"

"Not really."

No, I hate the man. Merlin thought as Arthur turned to swing at him. He had enough trouble with the armour! Now, he had to, somehow, not get injured, because he has to polish Arthur's armour -straight after this! If this man knew of my power, I would not have to do this, Merlin thought as he struggled to keep up with Arthur's attack.

It could be worse, a small voice in his head reminded him.

Unfortunately, it was right. Arthur wasn't as kind to the other servants. For Merlin, he waited until his helmet was on -sword drawn and shield up- he told where he was going to strike before he did -not during. And, although Merlin didn't realise it, he did make sure not to hurt the boy, too much.

When he realised he was on the floor, Merlin asked, hopefully, "Is it over?"

"That was just the warm up, hows your mace work coming along?"

Merlin groaned. How he was expected to keep up with all his chores, and Arthur's training, and all the errands Gaius had him doing, he had no idea. He'd be worked to the bone before the end of the month! If he survived the training...

A tiny little voice in his head pointed out how flirty Arthur was being today. He had chosen to train behind the castle...where are no people around...

Merlin wasn't sure what they were, exactly. Master and servant on the outside, certainly, but behind closed doors ...away from prying eyes- Well, it didn't matter what they were. They couldn't be anything. Not only was it against several laws for two men to... but Arthur was the Prince! King-to-be! Merlin was just a serving boy. And a sorcerer at that... Uther might just keel over, if all Merlin's secrets came to light. He was partly tempted to tell the King.

After training, Arthur peered around, then gave Merlin a quick kiss on the cheek. It seemed Arthur thought that was enough. That seemed to be the closest to 'sorry' the stuck up Prince, would ever get. Not that Merlin minded... He knew Arthur wasn't this considerate or kind to anyone else. Although some people would argue, that couldn't be described as 'kind' or 'considerate'.

Merlin would agree that, that didn't make up for the clanging noise in his head.

The day of the tournament, Arthur was worried. Merlin took one look at him and realised that. He does have to win this tournament... It went unsaid, that Uther expected no less than the best from Arthur. And that if he wasn't this years champion, he'd be...punished.

Merlin often dreamt of driving a sword through Uther's chest...

"At least he knows that to lose is to be disgraced!" Uther's voice reached Merlin's ears. What is the King doing in Arthur's chambers?

"Maybe you should make him your heir then!" That was Arthur's voice.

"Do not speak to me like that! I am your King! You will show me some respect!" Merlin heard Uther walk towards the door, but he paused before he opened it, "As for the tournament -you know what will happen if you do not win. Do not disappoint me."

"What was that about?" Merlin asked, hesitantly entering, after Uther left.

"Merlin! Don't listen in to private conversations." Arthur's words didn't have their usual sting.

He let it go, but he knew something was troubling Arthur.

While he was fiddling with a clasp on the Prince's armour, Arthur spoke, "It was about Valiant. Father...thinks I should be more like him..."

"What do you think?"

"I think he's righ-"

"He's no-"

"What do you know, Merlin."

"I know a lot!"

Arthur seemed to hear the hurt in Merlin's voice, because he dropped the matter.

"That was much better.." Arthur noted when Merlin was finished with his armour, he looked surprised, "Not that it could have got any worse." There's the prat.

Merlin shrugged, "I'm a fast learner."

Arthur gave him a look, "I hope for your sake that's true."

"Good luck," Merlin gave him a kiss on the cheek and Arthur smiled. For the first time today. Well, I'll make sure to remember that!

A/N: I'm sorry this was so short, I know I said more would be up tomorrow but I had work and class, more will be up by the end of today.